NFDNews2010-01-02-03

January - February - March

FEBRUARY 25
I heard from Retired Deputy Chief Tom Reiss who sent me the following info:

Despite the snow, bids were opened today for what will probably be a two-pumper order. There were six bidders and the results were as follows:

Brand/Dealer

Crimson/Campbell Supply -------- $356,712
Ferrara/Neville Fire Equip ----- $358,823
Smeal/NJ Emergency Vehicles ---- $396,902
Pierce/Fire Safety Services ---- $420,856
E-One/Absolute Fire Protection - $423,173
Seagrave/1st Priority Vehicles - $502,413

The bids will now be evaluated for content and compliance with specifications. I will keep you advised.

Thanx, Tom!

FEBRUARY 18
dispat

FEBRUARY 15
At 03:23 hours, a Signal 9 assignment, consisting of Engines 27 and 14, Truck 4, Battalion 5, and Rescue 1, was dispatched on Box 5442 for a reported MVA, with entrapment, in the express lanes of Routes 1 and 9 northbound, near Delancey Street. While units were en route they were advised by an EMS Supervisor that they had a double entrapment, with a lot of fluids on the ground. Engine 27 arrived at the scene and reported they had a three-car accident with two victims pinned in separate vehicles. They also advised that EMS and Newark Police were on the scene. Rescue 1 arrived and went to work extricating one of the victims. After about ten minutes, Battalion 5 ordered a Signal 309, with a Level 1 Haz-Mat, and reported that all companies were working to extricate the victims. After about 20 minutes, both victims were extricated and transported to University Hospital.

FEBRUARY 8
At 08:55 hours, Fire Dispatch received a 911 report of a fire on the first floor, at 381 Central Avenue, between Morris Avenue and 1st Street. Box 1332 was struck, turning out Engines 7, 11, 15, 9; Truck 11, 7; Battalion 3; Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. When Engine 7 arrived, nothing much was showing, but they soon reported they had a working fire. At 09:01 hours, Battalion reported a fire on the first floor of an occupied, three-story, frame dwelling, and ordered a Signal 11, bringing Battalion 4 and Truck 5 to the scene, as ISO and FAST Team. A fire had apparently started between two buildings and extended into the first floor of 381-1/2 Central Avenue. Deputy 1 ordered a Signal 100, and placed the fire under control at 09:07 hours. All searches were negative and the fire was confined to the first floor.

At 17:11 hours, A Signal 8 was transmitted for Box 5751 upon Dispatchers receiving a report of a motor vehicle accident, with injuries and entrapment, at Delancey and Stockton Streets. Engine 27, Truck 4, Battalion 5, and Rescue 1 turned out in answer to the alarm. Upon their arrival, Engine 27 reported they had an overturned vehicle, with a confirmed entrapment, and ordered a Signal 308, indicating all units on the alarm would be working. At 17:18, Battalion 5 reported they had a 1-3/4-inch protection line stretched, Engine 27 and Truck 4 were working to extricate the victim and Newark Police Units 316 and 317 were on the scene. Engine 27 advised Rescue 1, who was still responding, that they needed a ram and Sawzall. At 17:21, Battalion 5 reported the extrication was still in progress and declared a Haz-Mat Level 1 for fluids that had spilled on the ground. At 17:25 hours, Battalion 5 advised Dispatch that they had a truck turned over on the driver’s side and that the roof was heavily crushed. The victim was semi-conscious and the extrication was still in progress. By then, various other agencies had arrived on the scene, including numerous Newark Police and Port Authority Police units, Newark Police Emergency Squad, Newark EMS Rescue, and several other EMS units. It was at 17:32 hours that Battalion 5 reported the extrication of one male, who was a suspect in a police chase with the Port Authority, had been completed.

The suspect had been involved in a two-car collision on Routes 1&9, near Newark Airport, about a half-hour earlier. The Port Authority Police responded, and while waiting for units from Newark, the suspect exited his smashed vehicle and hijacked the Port Authority police car, fighting the officer and knocking him to the ground before doing so. Speeding away from the scene, he proceeded further down the highway for about a mile before colliding with a cable company SUV. In a flash, he then hijacked that vehicle and continued at a dangerous pace. Leaving the highway, he got to Delancey and Stockton Streets, where he wrecked the vehicle. When Newark Police arrived at the scene, they requested EMS put a push on their response as the suspect was critically injured. While no charges have been made, the driver will likely be charged with multiple traffic violations, aggravated assault on a police officer, carjacking, and several other charges.

FEBRUARY 7
At 02:46 hours, Fire Dispatchers began receiving multiple calls for a house fire at 14th Avenue and South 11th Street. Box 1439 was transmitted, turning out Engines 11, 6, 18, 7; Trucks 11, 5; Battalion 1; Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. Upon their arrival, Engine 11 reported a fire in an abandoned building, which had been the scene of previous fires. At 02:48, Battalion 1 reported a fire in an abandoned 2-1/2-story frame, and transmitted a Signal 11, turning out Battalion 6, as the ISO, and Truck 7, as the FAST Team. Battalion 1 then requested an additional truck, bringing Truck 12 to the scene. Based on the fact that the building was vacant, and had been the scene of previous fires, Deputy 1 ordered a Signal 100. At 03:10 hours, Battalion 1 advised that the fire had been knocked down, companies were overhauling, and all searches were negative. Ten minutes later, Deputy 1 placed the fire, at 234 14th Avenue, under control.

Later that night, at 22:00 hours, Fire Dispatch received a 911 call for a house fire in the area of Clinton Avenue and Hunterdon Street. Box 4264 was transmitted, being answered by Engines 12, 10, 18, 6; Trucks 5, 10; Battalion 4; Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. Dispatch then notified responding units they were receiving multiple calls with reports of people trapped. Battalion 4 arrived quickly at the scene and reported he had fire on the outside of a three-story frame all the way to the roof, and requested Public Service Electric immediately due to wires being involved. He then advised responding units to proceed with caution as there were wires burning on the side of the building. Truck companies were ordered to make an immediate primary search and open up the interior walls. A line was quickly put into operation, knocking down the bulk of the exterior fire involving the “D” side of the building. At 22:04 hours, Deputy 1 advised Dispatch there were no exposures, and transmitted a Signal 11 and a Signal 100, bringing Battalion 1, Truck 11, and the Arson Squad to the scene. Two lines were stretched to the first and second floors as searches were being made, and interior walls were opened up to check for possible extension. At 22:14, Deputy 1 declared the fire under control, advising there was no extension.

FEBRUARY 6
At approximately 02:20 hours, Engine 19 was involved in a collision with a civilian vehicle, at Frelinghuysen and Meeker Avenues, while responding to a motor vehicle accident at Elizabeth and Meeker Avenues, which was the result of a police chase. The extent of damage, or if there were any injuries, is unknown. The pursuit began at 60 Park Place as two special police officers were attempting to break up a fight and a weapon was produced. The chase wound through several Ironbound streets before the suspects jumped onto Routes 1&9. They exited the highway at McClellan Street, turned onto Frelinghuysen Avenue, and then onto Meeker Avenue. Proceeding on Meeker, they then turned onto Elizabeth and then up Watson Avenue. The chase ended when the vehicle crashed at Hawthorne Avenue and Clinton Place. Police apprehended six suspects and recovered at least one weapon. Engine 19 was en route to Elizabeth Avenue to render assistance when they were struck by a vehicle not involved in the chase. Three police cars were damaged in the pursuit.

FEBRUARY 4
In less than an hour, the Weequahic section was struck with two working fires:

At 15:03 hours, multiple telephone reports of a house fire, at Lyons Avenue and Leslie Street, prompted Fire Dispatchers to transmit a full assignment for Box 4586, turning out Engines 29, 18, 19, 12; Trucks 10 and 5; Battalion 4; Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. Engine 29 reported smoke in the area while rolling in, and then reported a fire on the top floor of a three-story frame dwelling on arrival. At 15:07 hours, Battalion 4 transmitted a Signal 11, bringing Battalion 1 and Truck 11 to the scene as the ISO and FAST Team. By 15:15 hours, a primary search had been conducted and the main body of fire was knocked down. Five minutes later, Deputy 1 reported the fire, at 321 Leslie Street, under control and ordered a Signal 11. All searches proved negative.

As companies were mopping up the Leslie Street fire, at 15:44 hours, Fire Dispatch received a report of a house on fire, at 250 Nye Avenue, at Schley Street, prompting a full assignment for Box 4574. With companies still operating only six blocks away, the response consisted of Engines 10, 6, 11, 12; Trucks 11, 5; Battalion 1; Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. From the Leslie Street scene, Deputy 1 reported he could see heavy smoke showing in that area. His report was quickly followed by Rescue 1 reporting a working fire in a three-story frame dwelling. Arriving firemen found the top floor heavily involved and extending to a similar building on the “B” side. Companies quickly went to work covering the exposure, keeping damage there minor. The top floor of the original fire building, however, was gutted, with the lower floors suffering water and smoke damage. The Signal 11 blaze was declared under control at 16:11 hours. A Signal 100 was sounded, for the Arson Squad to investigate the possibility that two children, ages four and ten, may have been playing with matches and started the fire.

FEBRUARY 4
Here's a sneak peek for ya... more details to follow.

FEBRUARY 3
During the morning, a ceremony was held at the Council Chambers, in City Hall, to promote three battalion chiefs to deputy chief, and one captain to battalion chief. Battalion Chiefs John Riker, John Centanni, and Fateen Ziyad, were promoted to deputy chief, and Captain James Gorman was promoted to battalion chief. Riker was assigned to the Fire Communications Division, and Gorman to the Training Academy, while Ziyad and Centanni remained at the administrative posts. As a result of the promotions, the following transfers were made: Battalion Chief Paul Bartelloni from Battalion 6, Tour 4, to Battalion 3, Tour 4; and Battalion Chief Greg Sereico from the Training Academy to Battalion 6, Tour 4. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best of luck in their new ranks and assignments.

FEBRUARY 2
A classified ad in the Star Ledger advertised for sealed proposals being accepted on February 25 for two, triple combination pumpers. Deputy Chief Reiss has confirmed this and has advised that Battalion Chief Sereico and Captain Emerick are handling the bid process. Watch for future updates.

JANUARY 31 - From Radio Reference Feed Archive
At 13:56 hours, Fire Dispatch received a 911 call for smoke in the building, at 59 Spruce Street, between King Boulevard and Lincoln Park. A full assignment was transmitted for Box 4158, turning out Engines 10, 12, 14 and 6, Trucks 5 and 11, Battalion 4, Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. When firemen arrived they were given conflicting reports between 55 and 59 Spruce Street, but Engine 10 then advised Battalion 4 they had a fire on the second floor in #59. At 13:58, Battalion 4 transmitted a Signal 11, reporting a working fire in an occupied, four-story, brick building. Battalion 6 responded as the ISO and Truck 4 as the FAST team. Deputy 1 set up a command post in front of the building and Battalion 4 advised him that they had heavy smoke on the second floor, one line was in operation, and the main body of fire had been knocked down. They were also making a primary search and checking for extension. The members of Rescue 1 checked the floor above the fire, but found no extension. Meanwhile, Deputy 1 ordered up Truck 4 and used Engine 7 as the FAST team. Deputy 1 placed the fire under control at 14:09 hours, reporting all searches were negative, and ordering a Signal 100. The fire was located in apartment 2B and appeared to have started in a rear bedroom.

JANUARY 30 - From Radio Reference Feed Archive and Frank Martucci
A nine-hour period on this Saturday proved to be one of the busiest times for Newark’s Bravest in quite a while, seeing the member of the First Tour battling three Signal 11 fires and two major mutual aid fires. It brought back memories of the “War Years” for many.

At 13:20 hours, a full assignment was transmitted for Box 4348 based on a 911 call reporting a chimney fire in Saint Ann’s Rectory, at 16th Avenue and South 6th Street. The alarm turned out Engines 11, 6, 18 and 7, Trucks 11 and 5, Battalion 1, Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. First arriving units found smoke showing, but couldn’t immediately determine its source. Upon his arrival, Deputy 1, Deputy Chief James Smith, reported smoke showing from the top of the three-story, brick rectory, located at 355 South 6th Street. Further investigation found a fire burning in the cockloft and roof area. Deputy 1 ordered a Signal 11 at 13:28, bringing Battalion 4, as ISO, and Truck 7, as the FAST team, to the scene. Three lines were stretched to the third floor, truck companies pulled the ceilings, and Truck 11 went to the roof. Short work was made of the blaze, and Deputy 1 declared the fire under control at 13:36 hours. EMS was called to the scene for an asthmatic victim, and a Signal 100 was sounded to have the Arson Squad investigate the fire. It was reported that a faulty furnace may have been the cause of the fire. Damage was minor and confined to the roof area. Companies found themselves responding back there at 15:08 hours, in answer to an alarm for heavy smoke coming from the chimney. Someone had turned the furnace back on causing a heavy smoke condition. The furnace was shut down and the residents were advised no to turn it back on.

Shortly before 14:00 hours, a fire broke out in an occupied, 2-1/2-story, frame dwelling, at 10 Jacoby Street, between Springfield Avenue and Lee Court, in Maplewood. On arrival, firemen found heavy fire in the basement, with extension to the first and second floors, and exposure problems. Immediately, mutual aid was called to the scene, and further calls were sent out as the building became totally involved. At 14:24 hours, Engines 6 and 18, Truck 11, and Battalion 4 responded on mutual aid to the scene. Upon his arrival, Battalion 4, Battalion Chief Jimmy Wendt, reported a large, 2-1/2-story, frame dwelling, with heavy fire throughout. All Newark companies were put to work to help bring the blaze under control, which was established at 15:19 hours. Mutual aid from Irvington, Millburn, Newark, Orange, South Orange, Union, and West Orange was called in to help battle the fire and cover the town’s vacated fire stations. A Maplewood fireman suffered a knee injury while battling the blaze and was taken to University Hospital for treatment. Reportedly, the fire appeared to have started in the basement. This fire followed on the heels of a two-bagger that heavily damaged the attic of a Maplewood dwelling the previous day, at 82 Parker Avenue, between Richmond and Lancaster Avenues.

At about 18:00 hours, Fairfield’s volunteer firemen, arriving at an alarm for 1275 Bloomfield Avenue, at Route 46, found heavy smoke showing from the rear of a one-story, 75-by-300-foot, commercial structure. As firemen were attempting to make entry, heavy fire conditions were encountered which spread rapidly. Multiple calls were put out for mutual aid to assist in battling the blaze and keeping it confined to the building of origin. As the fire blew through the roof, all firemen were evacuated from the interior, and numerous lines were stretched and put into operation, as well as multiple master and elevated streams. At one point, mutual aid was requested from Newark, being answered by TeleSqurt-equipped, Engines 14 and 28, Battalion 3, and the cascade truck, manned by Engine 19. By 22:00 hours, the main body of fire had been knocked down and interior lines were put to work on hot spots. Fairfield is about 15 miles from Newark and has a volunteer fire department, comprised of about 50 members, responding from two stations. I’m sure it was quite a sight to see fire apparatus from Newark responding through Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Verona, and the Caldwells on their way to the fire. John Shoemaker, from the South Orange Fire Department, reported that the fire involved a multi-unit, warehouse/manufacturing facility, with hazardous materials stored in some of the units. Firefighting efforts were hampered by high-voltage power lines burning and falling to the ground. John reported the winds were light with temperatures in the teens. Both the Bell & Siren and Gong Club canteens were called to the scene to serve the numerous companies operating at the scene from Essex, Passaic, and Morris Counties.

Meanwhile, back in Newark, at 21:00 hours, multiple 911 and phone reports of a house on fire, in the area of 234 South 6th Street, between South Orange and 13th Avenues, prompted a full assignment for Box 1363, turning out Engines 11, 6, 7 and 18, Trucks 11 and 7, Battalion 1, Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. Battalion 1, Battalion Chief Carl Pinal, arrived and reported a smoke condition in a three-story frame dwelling. Companies began lining in, finding a fire on the second floor, extending to the third. Deputy 1 ordered a Signal 11, at 21:03 hours, reporting a fire on the second and third floors of an occupied, 2-1/2-story, frame dwelling, at 232 South 6th Street, with no exposures. The Signal 11 brought Battalion 4 and Truck 5 to the scene as the ISO and FAST team. Three lines were stretched and put into operation, and EMS was called to the scene as a precaution. Firemen operating on ladders at the roof level were advised to use caution due to icing caused by the 15 degree temperatures. Deputy 1 placed the fire under control at 21:16 hours. A Signal 100 was sounded to have the Arson Squad investigate the origin of the blaze.

Several additional alarms kept Newark’s Blazebeaters hopping during the early night hours, and at 22:57 hours, they were once again faced with another job. Box 3334 was struck for a reported bedroom fire, at 597 Parker Street, between Delavan and Elwood Avenues. This alarm turned out Engines 13, 9, 15 and 7, Trucks 6 and 7, Battalion 1, Deputy 1, and Rescue 1. Engine 13 fire reported a working fire on arrival, and Truck 6 reported heavy fire on the first floor of a two-story frame dwelling. This prompted Deputy 1 to transmit a Signal 11 while still en route, bringing Battalion 5, Battalion Chief John Sicignano, and Truck 11 to the scene. Upon his arrival, Deputy 1 reported that they had a fire involving the first floor of an occupied, 2-1/2-story frame, dwelling, with possible extension to the basement. He ordered a Signal 100 and requested EMS to the scene as a precaution. An aggressive interior attack was made with lines being stretched to the basement and both floors. While there was smoke in the basement and second floor, there was no extension of fire. Deputy 1 declared the fire under control at 23:12 hours. Word from John Sicignano advised is the fire burned out a good portion of the first floor, but they were able to keep it confined.

And so ended a busy nine hours for Newark’s Bravest. In keeping with the “War Years” theme, I need to mention that East Orange and Irvington had Signal 11 fires earlier that morning, with Irvington getting hit with a second Signal 11 fire during the fire in Maplewood. Orange also had a job later in the night. Essex County was surely ablaze!

JANUARY 29 - From Retired Deputy Chief Tommy Reiss
I tell ya, you just can't keep us old fire horses down! Tommy Reiss has supplied us with the latest on the loaner rig that the NFD was looking to purchase: "After a looong and laborious process, the NFD finally completed the purchase of the 1999 loaner pumper previously used by Engine 9 prior to delivery of their new ALF pumper. The check was delivered a few weeks ago and the rig is at Campbell Supply for modifications included in the purchase. Warning lights will be changed to LEDs where possible, and the electric discharge valves (a constant problem) will be changed to manual valves, similar to our other pumpers. New striping and graphics will be applied by Rick Agin, which will be similar to the new ALF pumpers. This cab is slightly different than the newer ALFs and will result in slight differences in size and placement of the graphics on the cab doors. It is hoped that the rig will enter service with E-27 in a month or so." A tip o' the ol' high-eagle leather to Tom for the update. All you apparatus photogs out there get your cameras ready!

JANUARY 14 - From Ron Jeffers
Ron grabbed some photos of Rescue 1's new, 2009 E-One heavy rescue alongside their former, 1994 E-One rig, and has shared them with us here. A tip o' the ol' NFH high-eagle leather to ya, Ron!

JANUARY 8 - Story and photos by Ron Jeffers
A smoky fire in a large, mixed occupancy building in Belleville forced the evacuation of residents into the freezing weather and summoned fire units from three northern New Jersey counties to the scene on January 8th.

Shortly before 1:30 a.m. Belleville fire companies were dispatched to a reported fire at 258 Washington Avenue. At this time Engine 3 was re-directed to investigate a fire alarm activation in a building on Valley Street, located behind the Washington Avenue address. Battalion 2 found heavy smoke coming from a three-story ordinary structure on Washington Avenue containing stores on the ground floor and dwellings above. The alarm activation from the two story commercial building on Valley Street was due to the smoke coming from fire building.

A large police presence assisted as residents evacuated and Battalion 2 called mutual aid to the scene. Nutley Truck 1 and Bloomfield Engine 3 (FAST unit) were immediately called for.

The seat of the fire was located in the basement, as firefighters forced entry into the businesses to gain access to the flames. The businesses included a grocery store, physical therapy office and a spa.

Additional aid was summoned bringing Nutley Engine 3 and Newark Engine 13, Ladder 6 and Battalion 3 to the scene, as fire began to travel up walls and rising smoke was visible up to the third floor window frames and roof area. A Kearny engine along with Deputy Chief Osborn were sent to the rear to assist Engine 3.

Heavy smoke covered the front of the building and rose over Route 21. Numerous hand lines were used, as some fire broke through the first-floor of the store-fronts. Additional mutual aid included North Arlington Ladder 3, Rescue 5 and East Orange Engine 4.

As light snow began to fall, and residents were standing in the street hoping their apartments would be saved, firefighters began making progress on the fire and opened up walls and ceilings to find hidden pockets of fire.

The fire was under control around 4 a.m., and some mutual aid units began to pick up by 4:30. The Bell & Siren Club was summoned for firefighter rehab.

This fire occurred a short distance away from another multiple alarm that firefighters battled at 248 Washington Avenue on the morning of August 26th. In addition, this was the second multiple-alarm fire in less than a month where fire companies from Essex, Bergen and Hudson Counties converged on Belleville to battle flames.

JANUARY 7 - From Newark Star Ledger
At about 00:30 hours, Engine 11 responded to South 10th Street, near 11th Avenue, to investigate water flowing into the basement of an occupied dwelling. On arrival, firemen found that a water pipe had broken in the basement of a vacant building next door, causing the problem. Captain Andy Truskowski entered the basement and found that 12 to 18 inches of water had accumulated. As he attempted to shut down the broken pipe he fell into a trench, twisting his ankle and cutting his hands. He was taken to University Hospital, where he was treated and released.

JANUARY 7 - From Battalion Chief Greg Sereico
Greg has supplied us with a list of the company runs for 2009, as per the dispatch records. A tip o' the ol' NFH high-eagle leather to Greg:

Deputy 1 ---- 1322 Engine 12 - 1003 Truck 1 - 1663

Battalion 1 - 2569 Engine 13 - 845 Truck 4 - 1210

Battalion 3 - 2173 Engine 14 - 1182 Truck 5 - 2291

Battalion 4 - 3469 Engine 15 - 1100 Truck 6 - 974

Battalion 5 - 2539 Engine 16 - 767 Truck 7 - 1450

Engine 5 --- 1391 Engine 18 - 1416 Truck 8 - 774

Engine 6 --- 1294 Engine 19 - 891 Truck 10 - 1786

Engine 7 --- 1925 Engine 26 - 874 Truck 11 - 1966

Engine 9 --- 1663 Engine 27 - 802 Truck 12 - 790

Engine 10 --- 1217 Engine 28 - 619 Rescue 1 - 4331

Engine 11 --- 1210 Engine 29 - 1442

JANUARY 3 - From Frank Martucci and Radio Reference Feed Archive
At 22:28 hours, a full assignment, consisting of Engines 5, 27, 16 and 14, Trucks 4 and 8, Battalion 5, Deputy 2, and Rescue 1, was sent to 79 Van Buren Street, between Ferry and Clover Streets, for a 911 report of smoke coming from the second and third floors. Engine 5 and Battalion 5 arrived at 22:30 and reported nothing showing, and they were checking a three-story frame dwelling.

At 22:32, Battalion 5 ordered a Signal 11, reporting they had fire on the second floor. This brought Truck 11 as the FAST team, and Battalion 6 as the ISO, to the scene. Battalion 5 then advised Dispatch they had two lines stretched and one in operation, and that people had been evacuated from the first floor. He requested EMS to respond to check out the evacuees.

At 22:38, Deputy 1 advised that he had established a command post on the "A" side, and that they had fire showing from the "A" and "D" sides on the second floor of an occupied, three-story frame dwelling. Companies operating on the second and third floors had the main fire knocked down and all searches completed by 22:46 hours.

The fire was declared under control by Deputy 1 at 22:49 hours.

NOTE: The times used in the above account are based on times given over the radio, and may not necessarily be the official times as per NFD records. They are used to help give the reader a sense of the timeline of the fire.

JANUARY 3 - From Frank Martucci and Radio Reference Feed Archive
At 16:57 hours, Engines 26, 11, 6 and 18, Trucks 12 and 11, Battalion 1, Deputy 1, and Rescue 1 turned out in answer to a full assignment for a reported house fire, at 41-45 Mountainview Avenue, between Cedar and Grand Avenues. Dispatch advised responding units that they were receiving multiple calls and there were reports of people trapped on the second floor. After a couple of minutes, Truck 12 reported smoke in the area, and at 17:00 hours, Engine 26 reported a fire on the second floor of a 2-1/2-story frame.

At 17:01, Battalion 1 transmitted a Signal 11, reporting they had a fire in a two-story frame, two lines were being stretched in,. and that searches were in progress. Battalion 6 responded as the ISO, and Truck 7 as the FAST team. Battalion 1 then advised they also had fire on the first floor rear, and requested EMS for a civilian that was passing out. Truck 11 then advised Deputy 1 that they had heavy fire on the first and second floors in the rear and it was goin' good.

At 17:07 hours, Deputy 1 established command and reported that all companies were working for a fire in a 2-1/2-story frame. He also requested that EMS confirm they are responding.

An aggressive interior attack quickly knocked down the main body of fire on both floors, but heavy smoke hindered the primary searches. Truck 7 was put to work and Truck 5 responded to the scene as the FAST team.

By 17:24 hours, it was reported that the primary searches on the first and second floors proved negative, and two minutes later, Deputy 1 ordered a Signal 100.

At 17:36, Deputy 1 reported the fire under control and that he would be ordering up companies in a few minutes.

Frank reported that the weather was frigid at the time of the fire, with 45 mph winds and a temperature of 25 degrees F.

JANUARY 2 - From Frank Martucci and Radio Reference Feed Archive
At 00:46 hours, a full assignment was transmitted for Box 1148, after NJIT Police reported a fire in the Water Department building at 239 Central Avenue, between Lock and Dey Streets. As Engines 7, 9, 15 and 6, Trucks 1 and 7, Battalion 1, Deputy 1, and Rescue 1 were en route, they were advised by Fire Dispatch of a report from Newark Police that a police aide was in the building as a security guard.

At 00:48 hours, Battalion 3 reported a large, one-story commercial building, with heavy fire throughout, and transmitted a Signal 11, making him the ISO and bringing Truck 11 to the scene as the FAST team. He also special-called Truck 6's ladder tower to the scene, and ordered Truck 1 to put their ladderpipe to work. Deputy 1 arrived a short time later and established command, reporting that the building had a bowstring truss roof and that they would be using a defensive operation at the time.

At 00:54 hours, Deputy 1 transmitted a second alarm and ordered all second-alarm companies to report to the water department yard on the Dey Street side of the building, via Central Avenue, along with Truck 6. He further ordered that all companies were to stay out of the building, that companies were to force open the overhead doors, and advised Dispatch that the command post would be set up on the "A" side, on Dey Street. Engines 11, 5, 10 and 12, Truck 5, and Battalion 5 turned out in answer to the second alarm.

Shortly after, Deputy reported that he had heavy fire in a 300-by-100-foot building, with a truss roof, and all companies were working in a defensive mode and opening up the building. Battalion 1 advised Deputy 1 that he had three, 2-1/2-inch lines working on the "C" side (Lock Street), and they were setting up two ladderpipes. A few minutes later, Deputy 1A advised Dispatch that Truck 11 was being put tow work and requested an additional truck as the FAST team. Truck 4 was dispatched and ordered to report to the command post on Dey Street.

After a few minutes passed, Battalion 1 advised Deputy 1 that they had no fire on the "C" side and it appeared that it was all on the "A" side. He also reported that they had no fire come through the roof. Deputy 1 replied that they had no fire through the roof on the "A" side either, and that members were working from ladders to open the natural vents. He was adamant in that no one was to go onto the roof.

A short time later, Deputy 1 contacted Battalion 3 and asked him for a report, to which Battalion 3 replied that it seemed all the fire had been knocked down and they were using thermal cameras to check the building. Not much was showing.

At 01:18 hours, Deputy 1 advised Dispatch that a primary search of areas in the building not under the trusses had been made, and the results were negative, but the they hadn't search the entire building at that time. A minute later, Deputy 1 ordered a Signal 11 for the record, and advised Dispatch that the Arson Squad was on the scene.

At 01:26 hours, Deputy 1 reported that the main fire had been knocked down, and that it appeared the fire hadn't entered the truss area of the building. They were starting to make a cautious offensive attack. He requested that a representative from the water department respond to the scene to account for the security guard and to secure the premises, which had to be forced open. He also advised that all searches had proved negative so far.

At 01:30 hours, Truck 4 was ordered up and Engine 12 was assigned as the FAST team. Four minutes later, Deputy 1 placed the fire under control and advised that secondary searches were underway, and at 01:53 he advised Dispatch that the secondaries had been completed and there were no signs of a security guard.

One of the uses of the building was for the storage and repair of water valves. Damages were confined to offices, the roof, and the overhead doors, which had to be forced open by firemen. The blaze reportedly appeared to have been caused by a defective light fixture.